Homemade Bread Recipe

This Easy Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter straight out of the oven. With simple ingredients and minimal kneading, this foolproof recipe is great for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just because, this classic loaf is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture – Light, airy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast.
• Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
• Beginner-friendly – Easy instructions with no complicated techniques.
• Versatile – Great as a base for adding herbs, cheese, or seeds.
• Freezer-friendly – Store extra loaves for later without losing freshness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) or olive oil

Directions

1. Activate the yeast:

• In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the dough:

• Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
• Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough:

• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• If the dough is sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour as needed.

4. First rise:

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the loaf:

• Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
• Place the dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and cover with a towel.

6. Second rise:

• Let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes until it puffs up slightly above the edge of the pan.

7. Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool and serve:

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Variations

• Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Herb Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough.
• Garlic Parmesan Bread: Mix in ½ cup grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon minced garlic for a savory loaf.
• Honey Wheat Bread: Replace sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a lightly sweetened flavor.
• Seeded Bread: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaxseeds on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or toast lightly in a toaster.

FAQs

Why didn’t my dough rise?

The yeast may have expired or the water may have been too hot, killing the yeast. Ensure your water is around 110°F (43°C) for the best results.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated and can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients. Adjust the rise time as needed.

How do I make the bread crustier?

Brush the loaf with water before baking or place a pan of water on the lower rack of the oven to create steam for a crustier texture.

Can I knead the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes, use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5–7 minutes.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead of regular butter.

Why is my bread too dense?

Dense bread can result from over-kneading, too much flour, or not allowing enough rise time. Let the dough rise until doubled in size for a fluffier loaf.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, or reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Yes, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, raisins, or cranberries after the first rise for added texture and flavor.

How long does homemade bread stay fresh?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week when refrigerated.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour will result in a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and full of comforting, buttery flavor. Perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers, this foolproof recipe will fill your kitchen with the comforting smell of fresh-baked bread. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or as the base for your favorite sandwich, this simple bread recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

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